"Digital social networks shouldn't be a place to share negativity, especially when it's directed at other people. If you're not getting anything out of it, it may be time to step away for a while." Germany Kent
In this "Book Review" objective, I have chosen to discuss the French book "Quelle place pour les réseaux sociaux numériques dans la production et la circulation des discours de haine?" (What role do digital social networks play in the production and circulation of hate speech?) co-edited by Julien Longhi and Samuel Vernet.
Julien Longhi is a distinguished linguist and professor at the University of Cergy-Pontoise. His focus is on political and media discourse analysis. He also specializes in linguistics for risk and security. His work covers discourse semantics, linguistic pragmatics, and corpus linguistics. He is involved in digital humanities and communication via networks.
Samuel Vernet is a sociolinguistics researcher. His work revolves around discourses, ideologies, and social domination. He studies how these elements circulate and construct societal narratives.
In the book, the focus is on how digital social networks spread hate speech. This topic brings up many concerns and debates. The authors delve into the complex, evolving definition of "hate speech." They highlight the challenges in identifying and regulating it. The approach is interdisciplinary, with insights from humanities and social science researchers. Their goal is to provide understanding and analysis keys. This issue is both evolving and complex.
Julien Longhi and Samuel Vernet's book explores the complex dynamic between social networks and hate speech. I was able to pick out a few key points from the book's content:
- Defining and Identifying Hate Speech: The book addresses the diffi culty of defining hate speech, a concept that varies according to context and culture. This complexity makes it difficult to identify and regulate on social platforms.
- The role of social networks: The authors examine how social networks facilitate the spread of hate speech. They discuss the ways in which these platforms can both amplify and moderate such speech.
- Legislation and Regulation: The book explores legislative efforts, at both national and European levels, to make platforms responsible for moderating hate content.
- Interdisciplinary approach: The book adopts an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on researchers in the humanities and social sciences to provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.
- Evolution and Complexity of the Subject: The authors emphasize that the subject of hate speech on social networks is constantly evolving, requiring a continuous and adaptable analysis.
I find this work particularly captivating and I agree with the observations made throughout the reading. Indeed, social networks are excellent tools for connecting with the world and discussing various current topics. However, they also open the door to a multitude of comments, both positive and negative, and offer everyone the opportunity to express their opinion on any subject. Similarly, they facilitate the creation of accounts by malicious groups, attracting communities to sensitive or censored topics.
The main challenge of social networks lies in anonymity. Indeed, it gives a sense of power to the author of the comments, acting as a release for frustration, easier to express anonymously. Social networks, although intended to unite, can also divide if not used properly. Take for example the numerous global conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Social networks have facilitated the dissemination of all sorts of information, accurate or false, causing immense debates among users. Everyone takes a position and believes what the images and texts convey.
The consequences are often large controversies and the emergence of new conflicts in other countries, fueled by sometimes manipulated information. As mentioned in the book, it is difficult to sanction certain digital behaviors, and thus to establish appropriate laws and penalties. Although governments strive to establish regulations, every day brings its own set of new challenges. In my opinion, this situation does not seem ready to improve.
This book aligns with other content on digital social networks and radicalization. It explores the blur between online and offline worlds and global response strategies. Works like "Discourses of hate and radicalization" are included. They emphasize understanding these phenomena in our societies. Fighting against otherness rejection is necessary while preserving freedom of speech. The book delves into direct and covert hatred. This offers a new angle to Longhi and Vernet's work. It especially focuses on the subtler, less apparent facets of hate speech.
The analysis of direct and covert hate is explored in depth, offering a complementary angle to that of Longhi and Vernet, notably by exploring the more subtle and less obvious aspects of hate speech. And also a UN article entitled "Hate speech: How to reverse the trend", which explores the rise in hate speech facilitated by modern communication technologies. It highlights the need for counter strategies by governments, civil society and individuals.
In conclusion, these works agree on the importance of monitoring and analyzing online hate speech to prevent violence in the real world. It is, for all of them, a global practical and theoretical perspective on the subject.
Source : https://www.cairn.info/revue-reseaux-2023-5-page-11.htm